T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever): Difference between revisions

"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)"
"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)"
Single by will.i.am featuring Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez
Released	November 20, 2011
Recorded	2011
Genre	EDM
Length	4:47 (single version); 4:07 (clean radio edit version);
Label	Interscope
Songwriter(s)	William Adams; Kenneth Oliver; Dallas Austin;
Producer(s)	will.i.am; Audiobot; Austin; Jimmy Iovine (vocal);
will.i.am singles chronology
Mick Jagger singles chronology
Jennifer Lopez singles chronology
Music video
	"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" on YouTube

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"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" is a song by American rapper will.i.am, featuring vocals from British singer Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones and American singer Jennifer Lopez. The song was released via the iTunes Store on November 20, 2011, just hours after its debut at the American Music Awards. The music video for the song was released on December 12, 2011. The song was intended as the lead single from will.i.am's fourth studio album, #willpower, but it was ultimately omitted from the album.

Background

will.i.am first announced the song via his Twitter account, before announcing it via various online media.^[1] Links to a demo version of the song were made available via Dipdive^[1] and Google+.^[2] On November 18, Will released the cover art for the single, using it as his Twitter avatar and background.^[3] The song was premiered live on November 20, 2011, live at the 2011 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater. The performance included will.i.am and Lopez performing live, and Jagger performing via video link.^[4] The song was made available on iTunes immediately following the AMA performance.^[4] The song was produced by Audiobot, Dallas Austin and will.i.am,^[4] as well as Jimmy Iovine.^[5] will.i.am originally presented the track to Iovine without the featured artists, as a finished work, and was caught off guard by his request to add performers to the song. In response, he threw out Jagger's name among possible collaborators because he thought it would never happen.^[5] Iovine ended up producing Jagger's vocals - it was the first time he had produced in decades.^[5] Immediately after the AMA performance, will.i.am thanked Fighting Gravity via Twitter.^[6] will.i.am also performed the song live at the American Giving Awards on December 10. Neither Lopez nor Jagger appeared.^[7]^[8]

The song was originally released as part of will.i.am's fourth studio album, #willpower.^[5] The album was originally scheduled for release in September 2012, but was delayed several times and scheduled for released on April 19, 2013.^[9] When the final track listing with all its features was confirmed on April 11, 2013 by Rap-Up the song was not included on the album.^[10]

Critical reception

The song received mostly negative or mixed reviews from music critics.

Simon Vozick-Levinson wrote a mixed review for Rolling Stone, stating that on the single will.i.am "strews dodgy rhymes ("I woke up in the morning/Hard like morning wood in the morning") over diamond-bright synths, while J. Lo handles the efficient hook. It all feels a bit perfunctory – except for Mick's guest verse, a kitschy delight delivered in a "Midnight Rambler" snarl.^[11]

The website DJ Booth also gave to the song a mixed review, writing that "this tough-as-nails cut finds Will, "Audiobot" and Dallas Austin teaming up to craft a danceable synth-percussion beat to back the B.E.P. mastermind as he delivers his trademark blend of Auto-Tuned singing and guilty-pleasure punchline lyricism. After a tuneful guest verse from J-Lo (who also lends her vocals to the chorus), the Rolling Stones frontman grabs the mic to flaunt his considerable swagger (and his poor math skills: "Hard like geometry, trigonometry / This is crazy—psychology") in a gruff closing 16."^[12]

Billboard's Chris Payne wrote that "The concept sounds crazy, but Will.i.am is the perfect studio whiz to oversee the commotion. The master of ceremonies adds to the fun by referencing "Back to the Future" to the Wu-Tang Clan to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in his opening verse."^[13]

Magazine No Ripcord laments in writer Joe River's write-up of the song that "The fact thousands and thousands of years of human achievement and progress have led to this moment makes me want to take a vow of silence and live in a kibbutz" and that it makes him want to "[throw] [him]self off Mount Everest".^[14]

Entertainment Weekly writer Melissa Maerz stated in the magazine's write-up of the song "The hardest thing about this electro track? Liking it."^[15]

Commercial performance

The song debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at #36 for the chart week of December 10, 2011 with 70,000 copies sold.^[16] In its second week, it dropped 54 slots to 90, and later fell off the chart. It has since re-entered the chart, reaching 61. The song also debuted at number 10 on the Canadian Hot 100 the same week.^[17] On the week ending February 3, 2012, a pre-release cover version of the track by Kings of Pop entered the UK Singles Chart at number forty.^[18] The version charted on digital downloading alone, charting in the absence of the original (scheduled for release on February 5) - also peaks of number three and number twelve on the independent releases chart and R&B chart. Two weeks later the original version of the song was released in the UK and it charted at #3 on the UK Singles Chart.

Music video

Will.i.am tweeted that a portion of the video was filmed on October 17, 2011 in Los Angeles.^[19] On October 24, he tweeted that he had hurt himself during filming.^[20] Lopez filmed her part in the video on and around October 30, 2011.^[21] After the song's November 20 AMA debut, MTV reported that the video, which was shot both in Los Angeles and in London, was expected to premiere before the end of November.^[4] The video was directed by Rich Lee.^[4] Will released the music video on December 12 with a link to Google+.^[22] A few hours later Jagger tweeted that the official debut of the music video would occur that evening on Extra.^[23] Lopez tweeted a link to the video on December 14 on Vevo.^[24] A critic at RyanSeacrest.com described the video as "out of this world – literally".^[25] Ryan Seacrest tweeted: "the new @iamwill @JLo @MickJagger video requires u set your computer to warp speed". The video begins with will.i.am. sending a text to Mick Jagger and trying to work out his exercises, when he starts running through walls by foot, bicycle, motorbike, car, plane, train, rocket, which then converts into a spaceship. Meanwhile, Lopez is seen on the walls while will.i.am. is driving past them and she also appears on the TV screen inside the spaceship and in the outer part of the galaxy. During the end, Jagger appears on the galaxy finishing the song while Lopez does the belly dance and kept on dancing while Jagger finishes the song.^[26] The music video features product placement for HTC, BMW, Beats by Dr. Dre, Siemens Velaro, and the Chrysler 300.

Track listing

Digital download^[27]

"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" (Explicit Version) – 4:47
"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" (Clean Version) - 4:07
"Go Home" (featuring Mick Jagger and Wolfgang Gartner) – 4:36

Digital download — Remix^[28]

"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" (Z-Trip Remix) – 5:18

German CD single^[29]

"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" – 4:47
"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" (instrumental) – 4:39

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" CD single liner notes.^[30]

will.i.am – songwriter, producer, synthesizers, drum programming, recording, engineer
Audiobot – songwriter, producer, synthesizers, drum programming
Dallas Austin – songwriter, producer
Jimmy Iovine – vocal production
Jennifer Lopez - lead vocals
Josh Lopez – guitar
Padraic "Padlock" Kerin – recording, engineer
Dylan "3-D" Dresdow – mixing
Mike Fontane – mixing assistant
Jaime Martinez – mixing assistant

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2011–12)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[31]	57
Australia Urban (ARIA)^[32]	17
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)^[33]	19
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)^[34]	5
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)^[35]	6
Brazil (Billboard Hot 100)^[36]	50
Brazil (Billboard Hot Pop Songs)^[37]	4
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)^[17]	10
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)^[38]	30
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)^[39]	50
Euro Digital Songs (Billboard)^[40]	7
Ireland (IRMA)^[41]	13
Romania (Romanian Top 100)^[42]	80
Scotland (OCC)^[43]	6
South Korea International Singles (Gaon)^[44]	34
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)^[45]	41
UK Singles (OCC)^[46]	3
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)^[47]	1
US Billboard Hot 100^[16]	36
US Billboard Pop Songs	31
US Billboard Latin Songs	45

Year-end charts

Chart (2012)	Position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)^[48]	78
UK Singles Chart^[49]	100

Release history

Region	Date	Format
United States	November 20, 2011 (2011-11-20)	Digital download^[50]
United States	December 6, 2011 (2011-12-06)	Top 40/Mainstream radio^[51]
Germany	January 3, 2012 (2012-01-03)	Digital download^[52]
Germany	February 3, 2012 (2012-02-03)	CD single^[29]
United Kingdom	February 5, 2012	Digital download^[53]

References

^ ^a ^b Will.i.am [@iamwill] (November 19, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Will.i.am [@iamwill] (November 19, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Will.i.am [@iamwill] (November 18, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Dinh, James (November 21, 2011). "will.i.am And Jennifer Lopez Glow In The Dark At AMAs: Mick Jagger also appeared via video screen for debut performance of 'T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever.)'". MTV. Archived from the original on November 23, 2011. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Baltin, Steve (November 20, 2011). "Exclusive: Will.i.am on How He Got Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez for New Single: Black Eyed Peas architect to debut "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" with J.Lo on American Music Awards tonight". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
^ Will.i.am [@iamwill] (November 20, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 21, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Stelter, Brian (December 9, 2011). "For Chase, a TV Show to Promote Its Charity". The New York Times. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
^ The Black Eyed Peas [@bep] (December 10, 2011). "@bep status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 18, 2011 – via Twitter. {{Cite tweet}}: Missing or empty |number= (help)^{[full citation needed]}
^ Lipshutz, Jason (March 18, 2013). "Will.i.am Sets Release Date For Long-Delayed '#Willpower' Album". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
^ Tracklisting: will.i.am – ‘#willpower’ | Rap-Up
^ Vozick-Levinson, Simon (November 28, 2011). "Will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" - Song Reviews - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011. Retrieved January 17, 2012.
^ "WILL.I.AM - T.H.E. (THE HARDEST EVER) - Review". DJ Booth. Retrieved January 17, 2012.
^ Payne, Chris (December 12, 2011). "Track Review: Will.i.am feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez, 'T.H.E.'". Billboard. Retrieved January 17, 2012.
^ "The Singles Bar - 6th February 2012". No Ripcord.
^ "Singles: Dec. 3, 2011". Entertainment Weekly.
^ ^a ^b Trust, Gary (November 30, 2011). "Rihanna Remains Atop Hot 100, American Music Awards Spur Gains". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
^ ^a ^b "Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. December 10, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
^ Officialcharts.com
^ Will.i.am [@iamwill] (October 19, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Will.i.am [@iamwill] (October 24, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Will.i.am [@iamwill] (October 29, 2011). "@iamwill in reply to @JLoID" (Tweet). Retrieved December 1, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Will.i.am [@iamwill] (December 12, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 12, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Mick Jagger [@MickJagger] (December 12, 2011). "@MickJagger status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 13, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Jennifer Lopez [@JLo] (December 14, 2011). "@JLo status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 18, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ Mitchell, Allison (December 12, 2011). "Will.i.am Releases Stellar Music Video for 'T.H.E.' Ft. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger [VIDEO]". RyanSeacrest.com. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
^ Ryan Seacrest [@RyanSeacrest] (December 12, 2011). "@RyanSeacrest status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 12, 2011 – via Twitter.
^ T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) [feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez] - Single by will.i.am on Apple Music
^ "Hype Machine".
^ ^a ^b T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) (2-Track) - Will.I.Am, Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger: Amazon.de: Musik
^ T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) (liner notes). will.i.am featuring Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez. will.i.am Music Group, Interscope Records. 2012. 0602527942285.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^ "Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 19th December 2011". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on January 6, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
^ "Top 40 Urban Albums & Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on March 17, 2012.
^ "will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
^ "will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
^ "will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)" (in French). Ultratip.
^ "Brasil Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 100. December 2011.
^ ""Brasil Hot Pop & Popular Songs". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (23): 37. December 2012". Billboard Brasil(ABPD). January 2, 2012. Archived from the original on October 4, 2011. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
^ "Jennifer Lopez Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
^ "Jennifer Lopez Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
^ "Jennifer Lopez Chart History – Euro Digital Songs". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
^ "Romanian Top 100 - 5 februarie 2012" (in Romanian). Kiss FM. February 5, 2012. Event occurs at 01:36. Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2024. If the user accesses the link, the respective podcast will start downloading automatically.
^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: January 01, 2012 to January 07, 2012)". Gaon Chart. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
^ "will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)". Swiss Singles Chart.
^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
^ "Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2012". Billboard. Retrieved September 23, 2019.
^ "Top 100 Singles of 2012". BBC Radio 1. BBC Online. December 31, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2013.
^ "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) [feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez] - Single". Apple Inc. November 20, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
^ "CHR/Top 40". RadioandRecords.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
^ "T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) - Explicit Version von Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger, Will.I.Am zum Musik Dow - Single". musicload.de. December 30, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
^ Singles Release Diary

External links

"T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)" on YouTube

[T.H.Erelease-1] Will.i.am [@iamwill] (November 19, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.

[2] Will.i.am [@iamwill] (November 19, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.

[3] Will.i.am [@iamwill] (November 18, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.

[wAJLGITDAA-4] Dinh, James (November 21, 2011). "will.i.am And Jennifer Lopez Glow In The Dark At AMAs: Mick Jagger also appeared via video screen for debut performance of 'T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever.)'". MTV. Archived from the original on November 23, 2011. Retrieved November 21, 2011.

[E-5] Baltin, Steve (November 20, 2011). "Exclusive: Will.i.am on How He Got Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez for New Single: Black Eyed Peas architect to debut "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" with J.Lo on American Music Awards tonight". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 21, 2011.

[6] Will.i.am [@iamwill] (November 20, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 21, 2011 – via Twitter.

[7] Stelter, Brian (December 9, 2011). "For Chase, a TV Show to Promote Its Charity". The New York Times. Retrieved December 18, 2011.

[8] The Black Eyed Peas [@bep] (December 10, 2011). "@bep status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 18, 2011 – via Twitter. {{Cite tweet}}: Missing or empty |number= (help)^{[full citation needed]}

[billboardannounce-9] Lipshutz, Jason (March 18, 2013). "Will.i.am Sets Release Date For Long-Delayed '#Willpower' Album". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2013.

[Tracks-10] Tracklisting: will.i.am – ‘#willpower’ | Rap-Up

[11] Vozick-Levinson, Simon (November 28, 2011). "Will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" - Song Reviews - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011. Retrieved January 17, 2012.

[12] "WILL.I.AM - T.H.E. (THE HARDEST EVER) - Review". DJ Booth. Retrieved January 17, 2012.

[13] Payne, Chris (December 12, 2011). "Track Review: Will.i.am feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez, 'T.H.E.'". Billboard. Retrieved January 17, 2012.

[14] "The Singles Bar - 6th February 2012". No Ripcord.

[15] "Singles: Dec. 3, 2011". Entertainment Weekly.

[Trust,_Gary-16] Trust, Gary (November 30, 2011). "Rihanna Remains Atop Hot 100, American Music Awards Spur Gains". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2011.

[Canadian_Hot_100-17] "Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. December 10, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.

[18] Officialcharts.com

[19] Will.i.am [@iamwill] (October 19, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.

[20] Will.i.am [@iamwill] (October 24, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2011 – via Twitter.

[21] Will.i.am [@iamwill] (October 29, 2011). "@iamwill in reply to @JLoID" (Tweet). Retrieved December 1, 2011 – via Twitter.

[22] Will.i.am [@iamwill] (December 12, 2011). "@iamwill status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 12, 2011 – via Twitter.

[23] Mick Jagger [@MickJagger] (December 12, 2011). "@MickJagger status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 13, 2011 – via Twitter.

[24] Jennifer Lopez [@JLo] (December 14, 2011). "@JLo status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 18, 2011 – via Twitter.

[25] Mitchell, Allison (December 12, 2011). "Will.i.am Releases Stellar Music Video for 'T.H.E.' Ft. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger [VIDEO]". RyanSeacrest.com. Retrieved December 12, 2011.

[26] Ryan Seacrest [@RyanSeacrest] (December 12, 2011). "@RyanSeacrest status" (Tweet). Retrieved December 12, 2011 – via Twitter.

[27] T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) [feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez] - Single by will.i.am on Apple Music

[28] "Hype Machine".

[amazon.de-29] T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) (2-Track) - Will.I.Am, Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger: Amazon.de: Musik

[30] T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) (liner notes). will.i.am featuring Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez. will.i.am Music Group, Interscope Records. 2012. 0602527942285.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)

[31] "Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 19th December 2011". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on January 6, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2012.

[32] "Top 40 Urban Albums & Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on March 17, 2012.

[sc_Austria_will.i.am_feat._Jennifer_Lopez_&_Mick_Jagger-33] "will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.

[sc_Flanders_Tip_will.i.am_feat._Jennifer_Lopez_&_Mick_Jagger-34] "will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)" (in Dutch). Ultratip.

[sc_Wallonia_Tip_will.i.am_feat._Jennifer_Lopez_&_Mick_Jagger-35] "will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)" (in French). Ultratip.

[36] "Brasil Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 100. December 2011.

[37] ""Brasil Hot Pop & Popular Songs". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (23): 37. December 2012". Billboard Brasil(ABPD). January 2, 2012. Archived from the original on October 4, 2011. Retrieved October 18, 2011.

[sc_Billboardcanadachrtop40_Jennifer_Lopez-38] "Jennifer Lopez Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2019.

[sc_Billboardcanadahotac_Jennifer_Lopez-39] "Jennifer Lopez Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved October 17, 2019.

[40] "Jennifer Lopez Chart History – Euro Digital Songs". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2019.

[sc_Ireland2_will.i.am,_Mick_Jagger_&_Jennifer_Lopez-41] "The Irish Charts – Search Results – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 28, 2020.

[rt100-42] "Romanian Top 100 - 5 februarie 2012" (in Romanian). Kiss FM. February 5, 2012. Event occurs at 01:36. Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2024. If the user accesses the link, the respective podcast will start downloading automatically.

[sc_Scotland_will.i.am_feat._Jennifer_Lopez_&_Mick_Jagger-43] "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.

[SouthKoreaDebut2-44] "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: January 01, 2012 to January 07, 2012)". Gaon Chart. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.

[sc_Switzerland_will.i.am_feat._Jennifer_Lopez_&_Mick_Jagger-45] "will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger – T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)". Swiss Singles Chart.

[sc_UK_will.i.am_feat._Jennifer_Lopez_&_Mick_Jagger-46] "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.

[sc_UKrandb_will.i.am_feat._Jennifer_Lopez_&_Mick_Jagger-47] "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.

[48] "Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2012". Billboard. Retrieved September 23, 2019.

[49] "Top 100 Singles of 2012". BBC Radio 1. BBC Online. December 31, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2013.

[THEiadc-50] "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) [feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez] - Single". Apple Inc. November 20, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2011.

[51] "CHR/Top 40". RadioandRecords.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2011.

[THEde-52] "T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) - Explicit Version von Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger, Will.I.Am zum Musik Dow - Single". musicload.de. December 30, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2011.

[53] Singles Release Diary

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

[28]

[29]

[30]

[31]

[32]

[33]

[34]

[35]

[36]

[37]

[38]

[39]

[40]

[41]

[42]

[43]

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[45]

[46]

[47]

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[53]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|2011 single by will.i.am}}
 {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2016}}
 {{Infobox song
@@ Line 9: / Line 10: @@
 | album      =
 | released   = {{start date|2011|11|20}}
-| format     = {{hlist|[[CD single|CD]]|[[music download|digital download]]}}
 | recorded   = 2011
 | studio     =
 | venue      =
-| genre      =
+| genre      = [[Electronic Dance Music|EDM]]
-| length     = 4:47
+| length     =
+* 4:47 (single version)
-| label      = [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
+* 4:07 (clean radio edit version)
-| writer     = {{hlist|William Adams|Kenneth Oliver|[[Dallas Austin]]|Tanya Lacey<ref>{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfYq7Lbv4sk}}}
+| label     = [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
-| producer   = {{hlist|will.i.am|Audiobot| Austin|[[Jimmy Iovine]]{{small|
+| writer     = {{hlist|William Adams|Kenneth Oliver|[[Dallas Austin]]}}
- (vocal)}}
+| producer   = {{hlist|will.i.am|Audiobot| Austin|[[Jimmy Iovine]] (vocal)}}
-}}
 | chronology = will.i.am
 | prev_title = [[Forever (Wolfgang Gartner and will.i.am song)|Forever]]
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
  | next_year  = 2012
 }}
+{{External music video|{{YouTube|vjIwmJMqrco|"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)"}}}}
-{{Audio sample
- | type        = single
- | file        = Will.i.am - T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever).ogg
- | description = "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)"
-}}
 }}
-"'''T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)'''" is a song by American rapper [[will.i.am]], featuring vocals from British singer [[Mick Jagger]] of [[The Rolling Stones]] and American singer [[Jennifer Lopez]]. The song was released via the [[iTunes Store]] on November 20, 2011, just hours after its debut at the [[American Music Awards]]. The music video for the song was released on December 12, 2011. The song was originally released as part as the lead single of will.i.am's fourth studio album, ''[[willpower (will.i.am album)|#willpower]]'', but was not included on the album.
+"'''T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)'''" is a song by American rapper [[will.i.am]], featuring vocals from British singer [[Mick Jagger]] of [[The Rolling Stones]] and American singer [[Jennifer Lopez]]. The song was released via the [[iTunes Store]] on November 20, 2011, just hours after its debut at the [[American Music Awards]]. The music video for the song was released on December 12, 2011. The song was intended as the lead single from will.i.am's fourth studio album, ''[[willpower (will.i.am album)|#willpower]]'', but it was ultimately omitted from the album.
 ==Background==
-[[will.i.am]] first announced the song via his [[Twitter]] account, before announcing it via various online media.<ref name=T.H.Erelease>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/138038014021607424|title=@iamwill status|accessdate=November 20, 2011|date=November 19, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Will.i.am]]}}</ref> Links to a demo version of the song were made available via [[Dipdive]]<ref name=T.H.Erelease/> and [[Google+]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/138040116622012416|title=@iamwill status|accessdate=November 20, 2011|date=November 19, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Will.i.am]]}}</ref> On November 18, Will released the [[cover art]] for the single, using it as his Twitter avatar and background.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/137665192661225473|title=@iamwill status|accessdate=November 20, 2011|date=November 18, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Will.i.am]]}}</ref> The song was premiered live on November 20, 2011, live at the [[American Music Awards of 2011|2011 American Music Awards]] at the [[Nokia Theatre L.A. Live|Nokia Theater]]. The performance included will.i.am and Lopez performing live, and Jagger performing via video link.<ref name=wAJLGITDAA/> The song was made available on iTunes immediately following the AMA performance.<ref name=wAJLGITDAA/> The song was produced by Audiobot, [[Dallas Austin]] and will.i.am,<ref name=wAJLGITDAA>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1674729/will-i-am-jennifer-lopez-amas.jhtml|title=will.i.am And Jennifer Lopez Glow In The Dark At AMAs: Mick Jagger also appeared via video screen for debut performance of 'T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever.)'|accessdate=November 21, 2011|date=November 21, 2011|publisher=[[MTV]]|author=Dinh, James}}</ref> as well as [[Jimmy Iovine]].<ref name=E/> will.i.am originally presented the track to Iovine without the featured artists, as a finished work, and was caught off guard by his request to add performers to the song. In response, he threw out Jagger's name among possible [[Collaboration|collaborator]]s because he thought it would never happen.<ref name=E/> Iovine ended up producing Jagger's vocals - it was the first time he had produced in decades.<ref name=E>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-will-i-am-on-how-he-got-mick-jagger-and-jennifer-lopez-for-new-single-20111120#ixzz1eImN25yS|title=Exclusive: Will.i.am on How He Got Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez for New Single: Black Eyed Peas architect to debut "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" with J.Lo on American Music Awards tonight|accessdate=November 21, 2011|date=November 20, 2011|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|author=Baltin, Steve}}</ref> Immediately after the AMA performance, will.i.am thanked Fighting Gravity via Twitter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/138511287662546944|title=@iamwill status|accessdate=November 21, 2011|date=November 20, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Will.i.am]]}}</ref> will.i.am also performed the song live at the American Giving Awards on December 10. Neither Lopez nor Jagger appeared.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/10/business/media/jpmorgan-is-promoting-its-charity-on-nbc-show.html|title=For Chase, a TV Show to Promote Its Charity|accessdate=December 18, 2011|date=December 9, 2011|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Stelter, Brian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/|title=@bep status|accessdate=December 18, 2011|date=December 10, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[The Black Eyed Peas]]}}</ref>
+[[will.i.am]] first announced the song via his [[Twitter]] account, before announcing it via various online media.<ref name=T.H.Erelease>{{cite tweet|user=iamwill|number=138038014021607424|title=@iamwill status|access-date=November 20, 2011|date=November 19, 2011|author=Will.i.am|author-link=Will.i.am}}</ref> Links to a demo version of the song were made available via [[Dipdive]]<ref name=T.H.Erelease/> and [[Google+]].<ref>{{cite tweet|user=iamwill|number=138040116622012416|title=@iamwill status|access-date=November 20, 2011|date=November 19, 2011|author=Will.i.am|author-link=Will.i.am}}</ref> On November 18, Will released the [[cover art]] for the single, using it as his Twitter avatar and background.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=iamwill|number=137665192661225473|title=@iamwill status|access-date=November 20, 2011|date=November 18, 2011|author=Will.i.am|author-link=Will.i.am}}</ref> The song was premiered live on November 20, 2011, live at the [[American Music Awards of 2011|2011 American Music Awards]] at the [[Nokia Theatre L.A. Live|Nokia Theater]]. The performance included will.i.am and Lopez performing live, and Jagger performing via video link.<ref name=wAJLGITDAA/> The song was made available on iTunes immediately following the AMA performance.<ref name=wAJLGITDAA/> The song was produced by Audiobot, [[Dallas Austin]] and will.i.am,<ref name=wAJLGITDAA>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1674729/will-i-am-jennifer-lopez-amas.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123185313/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1674729/will-i-am-jennifer-lopez-amas.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 23, 2011|title=will.i.am And Jennifer Lopez Glow In The Dark At AMAs: Mick Jagger also appeared via video screen for debut performance of 'T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever.)'|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=November 21, 2011|publisher=[[MTV]]|author=Dinh, James}}</ref> as well as [[Jimmy Iovine]].<ref name=E/> will.i.am originally presented the track to Iovine without the featured artists, as a finished work, and was caught off guard by his request to add performers to the song. In response, he threw out Jagger's name among possible [[Collaboration|collaborator]]s because he thought it would never happen.<ref name=E/> Iovine ended up producing Jagger's vocals - it was the first time he had produced in decades.<ref name=E>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-will-i-am-on-how-he-got-mick-jagger-and-jennifer-lopez-for-new-single-20111120#ixzz1eImN25yS|title=Exclusive: Will.i.am on How He Got Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez for New Single: Black Eyed Peas architect to debut "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" with J.Lo on American Music Awards tonight|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=November 20, 2011|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|author=Baltin, Steve}}</ref> Immediately after the AMA performance, will.i.am thanked Fighting Gravity via Twitter.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=iamwill|number=138511287662546944|title=@iamwill status|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=November 20, 2011|author=Will.i.am|author-link=Will.i.am}}</ref> will.i.am also performed the song live at the American Giving Awards on December 10. Neither Lopez nor Jagger appeared.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/10/business/media/jpmorgan-is-promoting-its-charity-on-nbc-show.html|title=For Chase, a TV Show to Promote Its Charity|access-date=December 18, 2011|date=December 9, 2011|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Stelter, Brian}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=bep|title=@bep status|access-date=December 18, 2011|date=December 10, 2011|author=The Black Eyed Peas|author-link=The Black Eyed Peas}}{{Full|date=September 2024}}</ref>
-The song was originally released as part of will.i.am's fourth studio album, [[willpower (will.i.am album)|#willpower]].<ref name=E/> The album was originally scheduled for release in September 2012, but was delayed several times and scheduled for released on April 19, 2013.<ref name="billboardannounce">{{cite web|title=Will.i.am Sets Release Date For Long-Delayed '#Willpower' Album|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/1552478/william-sets-release-date-for-long-delayed-willpower-album|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=April 12, 2013|date=March 18, 2013|author=Lipshutz, Jason}}</ref> When the final track listing with all its features was confirmed on April 11, 2013 by ''[[Rap-Up]]'' the song was not included on the album.<ref name="Tracks">[http://www.rap-up.com/2013/04/11/tracklisting-will-i-am-willpower/ Tracklisting: will.i.am – ‘#willpower’ | Rap-Up<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
+The song was originally released as part of will.i.am's fourth studio album, ''[[willpower (will.i.am album)|#willpower]]''.<ref name=E/> The album was originally scheduled for release in September 2012, but was delayed several times and scheduled for released on April 19, 2013.<ref name="billboardannounce">{{cite web|title=Will.i.am Sets Release Date For Long-Delayed '#Willpower' Album|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/1552478/william-sets-release-date-for-long-delayed-willpower-album|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=April 12, 2013|date=March 18, 2013|author=Lipshutz, Jason}}</ref> When the final track listing with all its features was confirmed on April 11, 2013 by ''[[Rap-Up]]'' the song was not included on the album.<ref name="Tracks">[http://www.rap-up.com/2013/04/11/tracklisting-will-i-am-willpower/ Tracklisting: will.i.am – ‘#willpower’ | Rap-Up<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
 == Critical reception ==
+The song received mostly negative or mixed reviews from [[music critics]].
-The song has received mixed reviews from [[music critics]].  Simon Vozick-Levinson wrote a mixed review for ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', stating that on the single will.i.am "strews dodgy rhymes ("I woke up in the morning/Hard like morning wood in the morning") over diamond-bright synths, while J. Lo handles the efficient hook. It all feels a bit perfunctory – except for Mick's guest verse, a kitschy delight delivered in a "[[Midnight Rambler]]" snarl.<ref>{{cite news|last=Vozick-Levinson|first=Simon|title=Will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" - Song Reviews - Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/t-h-e-the-hardest-ever-20111128|accessdate=January 17, 2012|newspaper=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=November 28, 2011}}</ref>
+Simon Vozick-Levinson wrote a mixed review for ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', stating that on the single will.i.am "strews dodgy rhymes ("I woke up in the morning/Hard like morning wood in the morning") over diamond-bright synths, while J. Lo handles the efficient hook. It all feels a bit perfunctory – except for Mick's guest verse, a kitschy delight delivered in a "[[Midnight Rambler]]" snarl.<ref>{{cite news|last=Vozick-Levinson|first=Simon|title=Will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" - Song Reviews - Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/t-h-e-the-hardest-ever-20111128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203010205/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/t-h-e-the-hardest-ever-20111128|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2011|access-date=January 17, 2012|newspaper=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=November 28, 2011}}</ref>
-The website "DJ Booth" also gave to the song a mixed review, writing that "this tough-as-nails cut finds Will, "Audiobot" and [[Dallas Austin]] teaming up to craft a danceable synth-percussion beat to back the [[Black Eyed Peas|B.E.P.]] mastermind as he delivers his trademark blend of [[Auto-Tune]]d singing and guilty-pleasure punchline lyricism. After a tuneful guest verse from [[J-Lo]] (who also lends her vocals to the chorus), the Rolling Stones frontman grabs the mic to flaunt his considerable swagger (and his poor math skills: "Hard like geometry, trigonometry / This is crazy—psychology") in a gruff closing 16."<ref>{{cite news|title=WILL.I.AM - T.H.E. (THE HARDEST EVER) - Review|url=http://www.djbooth.net/index/tracks/review/will-i-am-the-hardest-ever/|accessdate=January 17, 2012|newspaper=DJ Booth}}</ref>
+The website ''DJ Booth'' also gave to the song a mixed review, writing that "this tough-as-nails cut finds Will, "Audiobot" and [[Dallas Austin]] teaming up to craft a danceable synth-percussion beat to back the [[Black Eyed Peas|B.E.P.]] mastermind as he delivers his trademark blend of [[Auto-Tune]]d singing and guilty-pleasure punchline lyricism. After a tuneful guest verse from [[J-Lo]] (who also lends her vocals to the chorus), the Rolling Stones frontman grabs the mic to flaunt his considerable swagger (and his poor math skills: "Hard like geometry, trigonometry / This is crazy—psychology") in a gruff closing 16."<ref>{{cite news|title=WILL.I.AM - T.H.E. (THE HARDEST EVER) - Review|url=http://www.djbooth.net/index/tracks/review/will-i-am-the-hardest-ever/|access-date=January 17, 2012|newspaper=DJ Booth}}</ref>
-''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s Chris Payne wrote that "The concept sounds crazy, but Will.i.am is the perfect studio whiz to oversee the commotion. The master of ceremonies adds to the fun by referencing "[[Back to the Future]]" to the [[Wu-Tang Clan]] to [[Dallas Cowboys]] owner [[Jerry Jones]] in his opening verse."<ref>{{cite news|last=Payne|first=Chris|title=Track Review: Will.i.am feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez, 'T.H.E.'|url=http://www.billboard.com/new-releases/track-review-will-i-am-feat-mick-jagger-1005640762.story#/new-releases/track-review-will-i-am-feat-mick-jagger-1005640762.story|accessdate=January 17, 2012|newspaper=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 12, 2011}}</ref>
+''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'s}} Chris Payne wrote that "The concept sounds crazy, but Will.i.am is the perfect studio whiz to oversee the commotion. The master of ceremonies adds to the fun by referencing "[[Back to the Future]]" to the [[Wu-Tang Clan]] to [[Dallas Cowboys]] owner [[Jerry Jones]] in his opening verse."<ref>{{cite news|last=Payne|first=Chris|title=Track Review: Will.i.am feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez, 'T.H.E.'|url=http://www.billboard.com/new-releases/track-review-will-i-am-feat-mick-jagger-1005640762.story#/new-releases/track-review-will-i-am-feat-mick-jagger-1005640762.story|access-date=January 17, 2012|newspaper=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 12, 2011}}</ref>
+Magazine ''No Ripcord'' laments in writer Joe River's write-up of the song that "The fact thousands and thousands of years of human achievement and progress have led to this moment makes me want to take a vow of silence and live in a kibbutz" and that it makes him want to "[throw] [him]self off Mount Everest".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.noripcord.com/features/singles-bar-6th-february-2012 |website=No Ripcord|title=The Singles Bar - 6th February 2012}}</ref>
+''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' writer Melissa Maerz stated in the magazine's write-up of the song "The hardest thing about this electro track? Liking it."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/11/25/singles-dec-3-2011/ |website=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|title=Singles: Dec. 3, 2011}}</ref>
 ==Commercial performance==
-The song debuted on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at #36 for the chart week of December 10, 2011 with 70,000 copies sold.<ref name="Trust, Gary">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/464901/rihanna-remains-atop-hot-100-american-music-awards-spur-gains|title=Rihanna Remains Atop Hot 100, American Music Awards Spur Gains|accessdate=December 1, 2011|date=November 30, 2011|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|author=Trust, Gary}}</ref> In its second week, it dropped 54 slots to 90, and later fell off the chart. It has since re-entered the chart, reaching 61. The song also debuted at number 10 on the [[Canadian Hot 100]] the same week.<ref name="Canadian Hot 100">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2011-12-10/canadian-hot-100|title=Canadian Hot 100|date=December 10, 2011|accessdate=December 6, 2011|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> On the week ending February 3, 2012, a [[pre-release cover version]] of the track by Kings of Pop entered the [[UK Singles Chart]] at number forty.<ref>[http://www.officialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/1/2012-02-04/ Officialcharts.com]</ref> The version charted on digital downloading alone, charting in the absence of the original (scheduled for release on February 5) - also peaks of number three and number twelve on the [[UK Indie Chart|independent releases chart]] and [[UK R&B Chart|R&B chart]]. Two weeks later the original version of the song was released in the UK and it charted at #3 on the UK Singles Chart.
+The song debuted on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at #36 for the chart week of December 10, 2011 with 70,000 copies sold.<ref name="Trust, Gary">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/464901/rihanna-remains-atop-hot-100-american-music-awards-spur-gains|title=Rihanna Remains Atop Hot 100, American Music Awards Spur Gains|access-date=December 1, 2011|date=November 30, 2011|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|author=Trust, Gary}}</ref> In its second week, it dropped 54 slots to 90, and later fell off the chart. It has since re-entered the chart, reaching 61. The song also debuted at number 10 on the [[Canadian Hot 100]] the same week.<ref name="Canadian Hot 100">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2011-12-10/canadian-hot-100|title=Canadian Hot 100|date=December 10, 2011|access-date=December 6, 2011|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> On the week ending February 3, 2012, a [[pre-release cover version]] of the track by Kings of Pop entered the [[UK Singles Chart]] at number forty.<ref>[https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20120129/7501/ Officialcharts.com]</ref> The version charted on digital downloading alone, charting in the absence of the original (scheduled for release on February 5) - also peaks of number three and number twelve on the [[UK Indie Chart|independent releases chart]] and [[UK R&B Chart|R&B chart]]. Two weeks later the original version of the song was released in the UK and it charted at #3 on the UK Singles Chart.
 ==Music video==
+Will.i.am tweeted that a portion of the video was filmed on October 17, 2011 in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=iamwill|number=126420321149521920|title=@iamwill status|access-date=November 20, 2011|date=October 19, 2011|author=Will.i.am|author-link=Will.i.am}}</ref> On October 24, he tweeted that he had hurt himself during filming.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=iamwill|number=128428281782468608|title=@iamwill status|access-date=November 20, 2011|date=October 24, 2011|author=Will.i.am|author-link=Will.i.am}}</ref> Lopez filmed her part in the video on and around October 30, 2011.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=iamwill|number=130504991537512449|title=@iamwill in reply to @JLoID|access-date=December 1, 2011|date=October 29, 2011|author=Will.i.am|author-link=Will.i.am}}</ref> After the song's November 20 AMA debut, [[MTV]] reported that the video, which was shot both in Los Angeles and in London, was expected to premiere before the end of November.<ref name=wAJLGITDAA/> The video was directed by [[Rich Lee]].<ref name=wAJLGITDAA/> Will released the music video on December 12 with a link to Google+.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=iamwill|number=146168281085116416|title=@iamwill status|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=December 12, 2011|author=Will.i.am|author-link=Will.i.am}}</ref> A few hours later Jagger tweeted that the official debut of the music video would occur that evening on ''[[Extra (U.S. TV program)|Extra]]''.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=MickJagger|number=146377292774510592|title=@MickJagger status|access-date=December 13, 2011|date=December 12, 2011|author=Mick Jagger|author-link=Mick Jagger}}</ref> Lopez tweeted a link to the video on December 14 on [[Vevo]].<ref>{{cite tweet|user=JLo|number=147150771685818369|title=@JLo status|access-date=December 18, 2011|date=December 14, 2011|author=Jennifer Lopez|author-link=Jennifer Lopez}}</ref> A critic at RyanSeacrest.com described the video as "out of this world – literally".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ryanseacrest.com/2011/12/12/will-i-am-releases-stellar-music-video-for-t-h-e-featuring-jennifer-lopez-mick-jagger-video/|title=Will.i.am Releases Stellar Music Video for 'T.H.E.' Ft. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger [VIDEO]|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=December 12, 2011|publisher=RyanSeacrest.com|author=Mitchell, Allison}}</ref> [[Ryan Seacrest]] tweeted: "the new @iamwill @JLo @MickJagger video requires u set your computer to warp speed". The video begins with will.i.am. sending a text to Mick Jagger and trying to work out his exercises, when he starts running through walls by foot, bicycle, motorbike, car, plane, train, rocket, which then converts into a spaceship. Meanwhile, Lopez is seen on the walls while will.i.am. is driving past them and she also appears on the TV screen inside the spaceship and in the outer part of the galaxy. During the end, Jagger appears on the galaxy finishing the song while Lopez does the belly dance and kept on dancing while Jagger finishes the song.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=RyanSeacrest|number=146308456792588288|title=@RyanSeacrest status|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=December 12, 2011|author=Ryan Seacrest|author-link=Ryan Seacrest}}</ref> The music video features [[product placement]] for [[HTC]], [[BMW]], [[Beats by Dr. Dre]], [[Siemens Velaro]], and the [[Chrysler 300]].
-[[File:T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) screenshot video.jpg|right|thumb|150px|[[will.i.am]] (top), [[Jennifer Lopez]] (middle) and [[Mick Jagger]] (bottom) in the "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" music video.]]
-Will.i.am tweeted that a portion of the video was filmed on October 17, 2011 in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/126420321149521920|title=@iamwill status|accessdate=November 20, 2011|date=October 19, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Will.i.am]]}}</ref> On October 24, he tweeted that he had hurt himself during filming.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/128428281782468608|title=@iamwill status|accessdate=November 20, 2011|date=October 24, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Will.i.am]]}}</ref> Lopez filmed her part in the video on and around October 30, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/130504991537512449|title=@iamwill in reply to @JLoID|accessdate=December 1, 2011|date=October 29, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Will.i.am]]}}</ref> After the song's November 20 AMA debut, [[MTV]] reported that the video, which was shot both in Los Angeles and in London, was expected to premiere before the end of November.<ref name=wAJLGITDAA/> The video was directed by [[Rich Lee]].<ref name=wAJLGITDAA/> Will released the music video on December 12 with a link to Google+.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/146168281085116416|title=@iamwill status|accessdate=December 12, 2011|date=December 12, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Will.i.am]]}}</ref> A few hours later Jagger tweeted that the official debut of the music video would occur that evening on ''[[Extra (U.S. TV program)|Extra]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MickJagger/status/146377292774510592|title=@MickJagger status|accessdate=December 13, 2011|date=December 12, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Mick Jagger]]}}</ref> Lopez tweeted a link to the video on December 14 on [[Vevo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/JLo/status/147150771685818369|title=@JLo status|accessdate=December 18, 2011|date=December 14, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Jennifer Lopez]]}}</ref> A critic at RyanSeacrest.com described the video as "out of this world – literally".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ryanseacrest.com/2011/12/12/will-i-am-releases-stellar-music-video-for-t-h-e-featuring-jennifer-lopez-mick-jagger-video/|title=Will.i.am Releases Stellar Music Video for ‘T.H.E.’ Ft. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger [VIDEO]|accessdate=December 12, 2011|date=December 12, 2011|publisher=RyanSeacrest.com|author=Mitchell, Allison}}</ref> [[Ryan Seacrest]] tweeted: "the new @iamwill @JLo @MickJagger video requires u set your computer to warp speed". The video begins with will.i.am. sending a text to Mick Jagger and trying to work out his exercises, when he starts running through walls by foot, bicycle, motorbike, car, plane, train, rocket, which then converts into a spaceship. Meanwhile, Lopez is seen on the walls while will.i.am. is driving past them and she also appears on the TV screen inside the spaceship and in the outer part of the galaxy. During the end, Jagger appears on the galaxy finishing the song while Lopez does the belly dance and kept on dancing while Jagger finishes the song.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RyanSeacrest/status/146308456792588288|title=@RyanSeacrest status|accessdate=December 12, 2011|date=December 12, 2011|publisher=[[Twitter]]|author=[[Ryan Seacrest]]}}</ref> The music video features [[product placement]] for [[HTC]], [[BMW]], [[Beats by Dr. Dre]], [[Siemens Velaro]], and the [[Chrysler 300]].
 ==Track listing==
@@ Line 79: / Line 80: @@
 # "Go Home" <small>(featuring [[Mick Jagger]] and [[Wolfgang Gartner]])</small> – 4:36
-* '''Digital download — Remix'''<ref>http://hypem.com/#!/track/1jarb/will.i.am+-+T.H.E.+(Z-Trip+Remix)</ref>
+* '''Digital download — Remix'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hypem.com/#!/track/1jarb/will.i.am+-+T.H.E.+(Z-Trip+Remix)|title = Hype Machine}}</ref>
 # "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" (Z-Trip Remix) – 5:18
@@ Line 102: / Line 103: @@
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 ===Weekly charts===
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@@ Line 107: / Line 109: @@
 !Peak<br />position
 |-
-|Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm|title=Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 19th December 2011|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/645JiUMlN|archivedate=December 21, 2011|accessdate=August 30, 2012}}</ref>
+|Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm|title=Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 19th December 2011|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106032623/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm|archive-date=January 6, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=August 30, 2012}}</ref>
 | style="text-align:center;"|57
 |-
-|Australia Urban ([[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_urban.asp?chart=1Q40RB&chart2=1R40RB|title=Top 40 Urban Albums & Singles Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA)|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/65xgX6mSJ|archivedate=March 6, 2012}}</ref>
+|Australia Urban ([[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_urban.asp?chart=1Q40RB&chart2=1R40RB|title=Top 40 Urban Albums & Singles Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317174118/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_urban.asp?chart=1Q40RB&chart2=1R40RB|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 17, 2012}}</ref>
 | style="text-align:center;"|17
 |-
@@ Line 122: / Line 124: @@
 |align="center"|50
 |-
-| Brazil ([[Billboard Brasil|''Billboard'' Hot Pop Songs]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://200.177.175.41/rankings/brasil-hot-100-airplay|title="Brasil Hot Pop & Popular Songs". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (23): 37. December 2012. |publisher=[[Billboard Brasil]](ABPD) |date=January 2, 2012 |accessdate=October 18, 2011}}</ref>
+| Brazil ([[Billboard Brasil|''Billboard'' Hot Pop Songs]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://200.177.175.41/rankings/brasil-hot-100-airplay |title="Brasil Hot Pop & Popular Songs". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (23): 37. December 2012. |publisher=[[Billboard Brasil]](ABPD) |date=January 2, 2012 |access-date=October 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004190222/http://200.177.175.41/rankings/brasil-hot-100-airplay |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 | style="text-align:center;"|4
 |-
@@ Line 128: / Line 130: @@
 | style="text-align:center;"|10
 |-
-{{singlechart|Ireland|13|artist=will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger|song=T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)|year=2012|week=6}}
+{{single chart|Billboardcanadachrtop40|30|artist=Jennifer Lopez|access-date=August 21, 2019}}
 |-
-{{singlechart|Scotland|6|artist=will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger|song=T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)|date=February 18, 2012}}
+{{single chart|Billboardcanadahotac|50|artist=Jennifer Lopez|access-date=October 17, 2019}}
 |-
+|[[Euro Digital Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jennifer-lopez/chart-history/ids/|title= Jennifer Lopez Chart History – Euro Digital Songs |magazine= Billboard |access-date= August 19, 2019}}</ref>
-|South Korea International Singles ([[Gaon Chart|Gaon]])<ref name="SouthKoreaDebut2">{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/online/download/list.gaon|title=South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: January 01, 2012 to January 07, 2012)|publisher=[[Gaon Chart]]|date=December 15, 2012|accessdate=December 21, 2012}}</ref>
+|align="center"|7
+|-
+{{singlechart|Ireland2|13|artist=will.i.am, Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez|song=T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)|access-date=January 28, 2020}}
+|-
+|Romania ([[Romanian record charts|Romanian Top 100]])<ref name="rt100">{{cite web|url=http://s3.cdn.adworks.ro/emisiuni/download/podcasts/romanian_top_100_5_feb_2012_partea2.mp3|title=Romanian Top 100 - 5 februarie 2012|publisher=[[Kiss FM (Romania)|Kiss FM]]|language=ro|access-date=August 6, 2024|date=February 5, 2012|archive-date=September 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910192731/http://s3.cdn.adworks.ro/emisiuni/download/podcasts/romanian_top_100_5_feb_2012_partea2.mp3|url-status=dead|time=01:36}} ''If the user accesses the link, the respective podcast will start downloading automatically.''</ref>
+| align="center" | 80
+|-
+{{singlechart|Scotland|6|artist=will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger|song=T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)|date=20120218}}
+|-
+|South Korea International Singles ([[Gaon Chart|Gaon]])<ref name="SouthKoreaDebut2">{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/online/download/list.gaon|title=South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: January 01, 2012 to January 07, 2012)|publisher=[[Gaon Chart]]|date=December 15, 2012|access-date=December 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219094524/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/online/download/list.gaon|archive-date=December 19, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 | style="text-align:center;"| 34
 |-
 {{singlechart|Switzerland|41|artist=will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger|song=T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)}}
 |-
-{{singlechart|UK|3|artist=will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger|song=T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)|date=February 18, 2012}}
+{{singlechart|UK|3|artist=will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger|song=T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)|date=20120218}}
 |-
-{{singlechart|UKrandb|1|artist=will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger|song=T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)|date=February 18, 2012}}
+{{singlechart|UKrandb|1|artist=will.i.am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger|song=T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)|date=20120218}}
 |-
 |US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref name="Trust, Gary"/>
@@ Line 151: / Line 163: @@
 |}
 {{col-2}}
 ===Year-end charts===
 {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
 |-
 !scope="col"|Chart (2012)
-!scope="col"|Peak<br>position
+!scope="col"|Position
+|-
+!scope="row"|Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/canadian-hot-100|title=Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2012|publisher=Billboard|access-date=September 23, 2019}}</ref>
+| style="text-align:center;"|78
 |-
-!scope="row"|UK Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/2012/singles |title=Top 100 Singles of 2012 |publisher=[[BBC Radio 1]]. [[BBC Online]] |date=December 31, 2012 |accessdate=January 5, 2013}}</ref>
+!scope="row"|UK Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/2012/singles |title=Top 100 Singles of 2012 |publisher=[[BBC Radio 1]]. [[BBC Online]] |date=December 31, 2012 |access-date=January 5, 2013}}</ref>
 |align="center"|100
 |}
@@ Line 171: / Line 187: @@
 | rowspan="2"|[[United States]]
 | {{start date|2011|11|20}}
-| Digital download<ref name="THEiadc">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/t.h.e-the-hardest-ever-feat./id481538740|title=T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) [feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez] - Single|accessdate=December 1, 2011|date=November 20, 2011|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]}}</ref>
+| Digital download<ref name="THEiadc">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/t.h.e-the-hardest-ever-feat./id481538740|title=T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) [feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez] - Single|access-date=December 1, 2011|date=November 20, 2011|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]}}</ref>
 |-
 | {{start date|2011|12|06}}
-|Top 40/Mainstream radio<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=12/06/2011&Format=1|title=CHR/Top 40 |accessdate=December 1, 2011|publisher=RadioandRecords.com}}</ref>
+|Top 40/Mainstream radio<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=12/06/2011&Format=1|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710031255/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=12/06/2011&Format=1|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2012|title=CHR/Top 40|access-date=December 1, 2011|publisher=RadioandRecords.com}}</ref>
 |-
 | rowspan=2|[[Germany]]
 | {{start date|2012|01|03}}
-| |Digital download<ref name="THEde">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicload.de/jennifer-lopez-mick-jagger-will-i-am/t-h-e-the-hardest-ever/musik/single/11687066_4?cck=AAAAAQ..|title=T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) - Explicit Version von Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger, Will.I.Am zum Musik Dow - Single|accessdate=December 30, 2011|date=December 30, 2011|publisher=musicload.de}}</ref>
+| |Digital download<ref name="THEde">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicload.de/jennifer-lopez-mick-jagger-will-i-am/t-h-e-the-hardest-ever/musik/single/11687066_4?cck=AAAAAQ..|title=T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) - Explicit Version von Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger, Will.I.Am zum Musik Dow - Single|access-date=December 30, 2011|date=December 30, 2011|publisher=musicload.de}}</ref>
 |-
 | {{start date|2012|02|03}}
@@ Line 189: / Line 205: @@
 == References ==
-{{reflist|30em}}
+{{Reflist|30em}}
 == External links ==
+* {{YouTube|MEv-bf2XjoY|"T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)"}}
-*[http://dipdive.com/member/iamwill/blog/120888/#.Tsg7vR7cMkY.twitter T.H.E.] at [[Dipdive]]
-*[http://www.vevo.com/watch/william/the-the-hardest-ever/USUV71101922 T.H.E. (video)] at [[Vevo]]
 {{Will.i.am}}
 {{Mick Jagger}}
 {{Jennifer Lopez songs}}
+{{Authority control}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:The (The Hardest Ever)}}
@@ Line 208: / Line 224: @@
 [[Category:Song recordings produced by Dallas Austin]]
 [[Category:Interscope Records singles]]
-[[Category:UK R&B Singles Chart number-one singles]]
 [[Category:Songs written by Tanya Lacey]]
 [[Category:Songs written by will.i.am]]
 [[Category:Songs written by Dallas Austin]]
+[[Category:Music videos directed by Rich Lee]]

v t e will.i.am
Discography Production discography
Studio albums	Lost Change Must B 21 Songs About Girls #willpower
Soundtrack albums	Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Singles	"I Got It from My Mama" "Heartbreaker" "One More Chance" "Check It Out" "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" "Great Times" "This Is Love" "Scream & Shout" "#thatPOWER" "Fall Down" "Bang Bang" "Feelin' Myself" "It's My Birthday" "Boys & Girls" "Mind Your Business"
Featured singles	"Beep" "I Love My Bitch" "Fergalicious" "Hip Hop Is Dead" "A Dream" "Baby Love" "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" "Be OK" "I Want You" "In the Ayer" "What's Your Name" "All My Life (In the Ghetto)" "3 Words" "I'm in the House" "OMG" "Wavin' Flag" (Celebration Mix) "Forever" "Free" "Hall of Fame" "In My City" "Crazy Kids" "Something Really Bad" "It Should Be Easy" "Home" "Ew!" "I'm So Excited" "The Girl Is Mine 2008"
Promotional singles	"Here I Come" "Yes We Can" "It's a New Day" "America's Song" "I Wanna Go Crazy" "Reach for the Stars (Mars Edition)"
Other songs	"I Like to Move It" "Big Fat Bass" "Let's Go"
Related articles	Atban Klann Black Eyed Peas

v t e Mick Jagger
Albums	She's the Boss Primitive Cool Wandering Spirit Goddess in the Doorway Alfie The Very Best of Mick Jagger
Songs	"Memo from Turner" "Just Another Night" "Lucky in Love" "Dancing in the Street" "Let's Work" "Sweet Thing" "God Gave Me Everything" "Visions of Paradise" "Joy" "Old Habits Die Hard" "Checkin' Up on My Baby" "Gotta Get a Grip" "Eazy Sleazy"
Featured singles	"State of Shock" "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)"
Related	The Rolling Stones Jagger–Richards Solo discography SuperHeavy Being Mick The Mick Jagger Centre "Moves like Jagger" Vinyl
Species named for Jagger	Aegrotocatellus jaggeri Anomphalus jaggerius Jaggermeryx naida
Family	Bianca de Macias (first wife) Jerry Hall (second wife) Jade Jagger (daughter) Elizabeth Jagger (daughter) Georgia May Jagger (daughter) Chris Jagger (brother)
Category

v t e Jennifer Lopez songs
Discography Songs
1990s singles	"If You Had My Love" "No Me Ames" "Waiting for Tonight"
2000s singles	"Feelin' So Good" "Let's Get Loud" "Love Don't Cost a Thing" "Play" "I'm Real" "Ain't It Funny" "Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)" "I'm Gonna Be Alright (Track Masters Remix)" "Alive" "Jenny from the Block" "All I Have" "I'm Glad" "Baby I Love U!" "Get Right" "Hold You Down" "Qué Hiciste" "Me Haces Falta" "Do It Well" "Hold It Don't Drop It" "Louboutins"
2010s singles	"On the Floor" "I'm Into You" "Papi" "Dance Again" "Goin' In" "Live It Up" "I Luh Ya Papi" "First Love" "Booty" "Feel the Light" "Ain't Your Mama" "Chegaste" "Ni Tú Ni Yo" "Amor, Amor, Amor" "Us" "Se Acabó el Amor" "El Anillo" "Dinero" "Te Guste" "Limitless" "Medicine" "Baila Conmigo"
2020s singles	"Pa' Ti" "Lonely" "In the Morning" "Cambia el Paso" "On My Way" "Marry Me" "Can't Get Enough"
Featured singles	"Control Myself" "This Boy's Fire" "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" "Follow the Leader" "Sweet Spot" "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás" "Adrenalina" "We Are One (Ole Ola)" "Back It Up" "El Mismo Sol" "Try Me" "Te Boté II"
Charity singles	"El Ultimo Adios (The Last Goodbye)" "What's Going On" "Hands" "Love Make the World Go Round" "Almost Like Praying"
Promotional singles	"Cariño" "Fresh Out the Oven" "(What Is) Love?" "Girls" "Same Girl" "A Selena Tribute" "Olvídame y Pega la Vuelta"
Other songs	"Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)" "You Belong to Me" "Until It Beats No More" "One Love" "Invading My Mind" "Hypnotico"
Category